Disney Vacation Club is a timeshare program owned and operated by Disney. There are many different variables when it comes to buying into Disney Vacation Club, and you’ll want to consider them all before you take the plunge. Click here to see just what we mean.
Today, though, we’re digging into one facet of the DVC life: the perks!
There are literally hundreds of discounts members can redeem at Disney World (see them in detail here!). Below, we’ll give a brief overview of the major categories of perks and ultimately share our thoughts on whether or the perks make the cost of DVC worth it.
Savings on Annual Passes
Owning a Disney Vacation Club property does not come with park admission to Disney World or Disneyland. Each time you want to redeem points and visit, you must buy your admission separately. That said, DVC members do get a discount on Annual Passes.
If you’re looking to purchase an Annual Pass as a DVC Member, the following prices apply (as of February 2020):
Food and Beverage Purchases
Most dining locations at Disney World are eligible for DVC Member discounts. Most park and resort restaurants offer 10% off for DVC Members, while a select few restaurants in Disney Springs are 15% off.
It’s worth noting here that Annual Passholders have nearly identical discounts on all Disney World restaurants.
Souvenir Purchases
DVC Members can redeem up to 20% off retail locations throughout the World. Discounts may vary and may be less at certain third-party retailers at Disney Springs.
Discounts on Other Experiences
Disney Vacation Club Members can enjoy discounts on most tours offered at Disney World. Tours, including the popular Wild Africa Trek, Keys to the Kingdom, Behind the Seeds tours, are 15% off admission. Some of these tours cost hundreds of dollars per person, so savings could add up quickly if you have a larger family.
Access to DVC Member-Exclusive Special Events and Experiences
One of the greatest benefits and most popular DVC Member-exclusive events is the Moonlight Magic events. These complimentary after-hour events take place throughout the year at all of Disney World’s theme parks and water parks.
Other member-exclusive events and activities include the Seven Seas Tasting Cruise, Member Nights at Splitsville Luxury Lanes, Photography Workshops, early registration for runDisney events, and complimentary pool hopping, just to name a few.
So, are the perks worth it?
Every family is different, and ultimately only you can crunch the numbers and decide if the perks make it worth joining. Like any membership, the real value comes in how often you take advantage of the perks that are at your disposal — like being sure you get those discounts on food and merchandise and tagging along on Members-only experiences.
But note: many of the in-park discounts are no better than Annual Passholder discounts. If you are simply looking to save on dining and souvenir purchases throughout the year, then an Annual Pass is much more cost-effective and is only a one-year commitment as opposed to a decades-long investment.
What really puts the perks above and beyond, for us, are the member-exclusive events. While many of the DVC member perks and discounts are also available for Annual Passholders, Florida residents, and Disney Visa Cardholders, events and activities like Moonlight Magic and pool hopping are exclusive to DVC Members.
Are you a DVC Member? What perks do you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments!
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i have been a member since 2005 and have gone two to three times a year. once your membership is paid all that is required is dues. if you go many times a year it pays for itself over the long haul. its nice to know when i book it i dont have to pay to stay. also the 11 month window i have for the food and wine festival and the flower and garden is a definite plus.
We’ve been DVC members since 1993 and have enjoyed our time at WDW. However, we no longer get the benefits that we once did. I don’t mind the increase in prices as there is a lot of overhead and Disney does a wonderful job of updating. That said, we will probably be selling our membership within two years. It just isn’t worth it anymore.
I agree you save a fortune. The 20% discount alone is huge. I have only been a member for a few years but we have saved thousands of dollars due to the 20% discount alone. Disney is expensive.
Love the member exclusive lounges too. Wish they had one in every park not just Epcot though.
It is absolutely worth it. When we bought into our DVC at the Polynesian I nonchalantly leaned in and asked, “ So do I own an actual room at the Polynesian now?” The kind gentleman said, “Mrs.- more like a doorknob.” Cue my whisper… but it’s the best doorknob location in DISNEY…..we haven’t stopped smiling since. 😂😀
I agree that our investment has paid for itself in cost of hotel. Plus, we cannot put a price on our family togetherness and memories.
Isn’t there also the DVC lounge at Epcot or is that for AP.
We are new to DVC as of January and are super excited to be members! For us, we will be traveling to the parks at least once per year and at 32 and 30 years old, paying off our hotel reservations for the rest of our lives was a no brainer!
Love staying in a Disney deluxe resort and having been a member since 2005 my initial outlay more than paid for itself in holidays we’ve had!